Its origin and use as recorded in Scripture.
This article is not written to condemn musical instruments, for the enjoyment of pleasant music is not wrong in its place, but it is rather to trace their use as recorded in God's Word and to seek to discover from the Scripture if they have a place in Christian worship and in drawing sinners to Christ. They definitely did have a place in Jewish worship, but even then they were never used among the heathen in the Old Testament to draw sinners to God. Men and women have at all times been "born again...by the Word of God" through the operation of the Spirit of God. (1 Peter 1:22,2322Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (1 Peter 1:22‑23)). Our enjoyment of music therefore is not to be our guide in these matters, but rather the Word of God, for we read, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim. 3:16,1716All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16‑17).
A careful consideration of the introduction and use of musical instruments as recorded in the Scriptures will be helpful, one feels, in connection with our subject for we are told that "no...Scripture is of any private interpretation." 2 Peter 1:2020Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (2 Peter 1:20). We must therefore take it all together as a harmonious whole in order to get its proper scope, and thus rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Tim. 2:1515Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)). Let us consider this matter prayerfully and with hearts willing to be taught of God.
It is a rather sobering thought to consider the time when the use of musical instruments began in the world. Cain had gone out from the presence of the Lord after murdering his brother, and his son built a city where entertainment, science and business began. (Gen. 4:16-2416And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. 17And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. 18And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. 19And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 20And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle. 21And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ. 22And Zillah, she also bare Tubal-cain, an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah. 23And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. 24If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold. (Genesis 4:16‑24)). Jubal, one of his descendants, was the "father of all such as handle the harp and organ" (verse 21), and we read in Job 21:7-157Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power? 8Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes. 9Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them. 10Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf. 11They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. 12They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ. 13They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. 14Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. 15What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him? (Job 21:7‑15) about their use for pleasure, and for idolatrous worship in Dan. 3:4-74Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, 5That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: 6And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 7Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of music, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. (Daniel 3:4‑7). Now since we know that music has such a real effect on the senses and emotions, the question arises as to its use to produce a true change of heart—a new life in fallen man.
The first mention of the use of musical instruments in connection with the worship of the Lord is after the first singing recorded in the Bible. Moses, with the redeemed Israelites, sang redemption's song on the wilderness side of the Red Sea (Ex. 15:1-191Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. 2The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. 3The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name. 4Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea. 5The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone. 6Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. 7And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble. 8And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea. 9The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. 10Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters. 11Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? 12Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. 13Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. 14The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. 15Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. 16Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O Lord, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased. 17Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established. 18The Lord shall reign for ever and ever. 19For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the Lord brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea. (Exodus 15:1‑19)). Now we know that God always shows His mind about a thing when He introduces it, and so this beautiful song is sung without the help of instrumental music as far as we know from Scripture. It was all about the great things the Lord had done for His people in redeeming them by blood and by power from Egypt's bondage. After this Miriam came out with the timbrel and the dance, but her song shows that she did not enter into the fullness of the blessing as Moses did. (Ex. 15:20,2120And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. 21And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. (Exodus 15:20‑21)).
Another instance of their use was when King Saul was met by a company of prophets playing musical instruments. Though he was an unregenerate man his emotions were wrought upon, and he joined with them and prophesied. (1 Sam. 10:5-75After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: 6And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. 7And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee. (1 Samuel 10:5‑7)). This has surely happened to many unsaved men since, who being stirred by religious music, have made professions that are not real. Music always stirs the emotions. Some time after this event in Saul's life, we read of him being disobedient to the Word of God, and he was troubled by an evil spirit, but when David played the harp for him, the evil spirit departed only, however, to return later (1 Sam. 16:14-2314But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. 15And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. 16Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. 17And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. 18Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him. 19Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. 20And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. 21And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armorbearer. 22And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favor in my sight. 23And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. (1 Samuel 16:14‑23)). Music, we see here also, worked upon his senses, for Saul was not a true believer at all, and the music did not produce any change of heart, but only lifted him out of his unhappy self for a time.
We now come to the great part that music was given in connection with the temple, and that system of Jewish worship which was given and owned of God. This fact is brought out most definitely at the dedication of the temple, to which we would call particular attention here. In 2 Chron. 5:11-1411And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course: 12Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:) 13It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; 14So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God. (2 Chronicles 5:11‑14), we are told about this event, and we could say without a doubt that it was the most wonderful musical event that ever took place in the world. There were one hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets and musical instruments of all sorts, along with a choir, all of them arrayed in white linen. The harmony was perfect on this occasion, for we read that "the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound in praising and thanking the Lord." Moreover God showed His full approval of all this, for at the very moment when all was at its best, "the glory of the Lord...filled the house of God." We might also mention here that in keeping with this, musical instruments are often spoken of in the book of the Psalms in connection with the worship of the Lord.
Now if God approved of all this in connection with Israel's worship, why should it not be the same in Christianity? Was there a special reason why He did so at the dedication of the temple, and in the Psalms? Has there been any change in God's ways with man since that time? This, we believe is the question we should answer, and, of course, for the answer to be of any value it must come from the Word of God.
The nation of Israel was but a sample of the natural man (Amos 3:22You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. (Amos 3:2)), and it was being tried to see if it could produce any fruit for God. If there could be any change wrought in man's heart by external things, then the best means would be used to produce it (Isa. 5:1-71Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: 2And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. 3And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. 4What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? 5And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: 6And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. 7For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry. (Isaiah 5:1‑7)). If a "worldly sanctuary" would turn the heart to God, then God would give them this (Heb. 9:1-121Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 2For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary. 3And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 4Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. 6Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 7But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: 8The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 11But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:1‑12)). The beautiful temple, the robed priests, the good singers, and the grand orchestra; all that would appeal to the senses and religious instincts of man was given to Israel for this trial. Then, above all, they had the visible presence of God among them, for the glory cloud filled the house of God. Could anything more be done to draw out the natural heart to God, if indeed it could be drawn out? No! the "choice vine" only brought forth "wild grapes" and the "fig tree" produced "nothing but leaves." (Isa. 5:44What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? (Isaiah 5:4), Matt. 21:17-2017And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there. 18Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. 19And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. 20And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! (Matthew 21:17‑20)). When at last after long years of testing, God sent His Son, we know He was rejected by the very ones who prided themselves in the temple and its worship, and He had to say, "Behold your house is left unto you desolate." Matt. 23:3838Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. (Matthew 23:38). The woman of Samaria, upon inquiring where to worship, found that when the Lord was rejected a change had come, for He said to her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father...but the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him." John 4:21,2321Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. (John 4:21)
23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (John 4:23). What a revelation this was to a poor sinner saved by grace!
Christianity then is an entirely new thing, for the "new wine" of Christianity must be put into "new bottles" (Matt. 9:1717Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. (Matthew 9:17)). God is not worshipped by men's hands now (Acts 17:2525Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; (Acts 17:25)), for the "first man" is entirely set aside, "crucified with Christ" Rom. 6:66Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6). "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new, And all things are of God." 2 Cor. 5:17,1817Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (2 Corinthians 5:17‑18). Again we read in Phil. 3:33For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:3), "We are the circumcision, which worship God in (by) the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." Another Scripture says, "We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle." Heb. 13:1010We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. (Hebrews 13:10). In these verses we learn that the old order of things has passed away, and to return to it is to say that there is some good in the flesh, even though God's trial of Israel proved there is not. The Lord Jesus said, "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing." John 6:6363It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63). It was condemned and crucified before God at the cross (Rom. 8:33For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (Romans 8:3)).
Now Christendom is slow to accept this solemn fact. They would like at least a little of the old order of things, which was given to try man in his natural state. It pleases the natural heart to have it. They therefore put the "new wine" of Christianity into the "old bottles" of Judaism. They build beautiful "church buildings", have a special order and apparel for their preachers, and in their religious services they use musical instruments and other things, all borrowed from Jewish worship (Judaism). Some Christian groups of course have more of that sort of thing than others, but if it is right to have it, then we ought to have ALL that God gave to Israel. If on the other hand it has been set aside, then it has no place in Christian worship. In this connection it is an interesting fact that on the night when the Lord Jesus instituted the feast of remembrance in the upper room, we read, "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." Matt. 26:3030And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:30). The simplicity of this occasion, with no mention of musical instruments is surely worthy of note.
It may be of interest here to mention that the early Christian church did not use musical instruments for some centuries. (For details of these facts see "Instrumental Music" by C.H. Brown.) On page 14 after giving extensive evidence, he states, "In view of all the evidence cited as to the absence of music in the first seven hundred years of church history; in view of the stormy opposition it had to encounter during the next seven hundred years; and in view of the pious opposition to it well into the nineteenth century, may we not justly conclude that the history of the Church of God on earth is overwhelmingly opposed to the introduction of musical instruments into the worship and testimony of the Church?" Mr. C.H. Spurgeon and John Wesley who were earnest evangelists of the past did not use musical instruments in their service for the Lord. It is only in the last couple of centuries or less that they have become accepted and used extensively in Gospel activity.
Of course the great question for us is, "What saith the Scripture?" (Rom. 4:33For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (Romans 4:3)). The Word of God is to be our guide, and it is important for us to observe that there is not one mention of musical instruments being used by the early church in the Acts or in the epistles, but rather about singing and making melody in their hearts to the Lord. Surely if musical instruments have a place in Christian worship and service, God would have mentioned it in His word, as He has so definitely told us of their use in Judaism. Instead of this we have such Scriptures as, "teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Col. 3:1616Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16). And again, "By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name." Heb. 13:1515By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15). God delights in such worship as this (Oh that there were more of it, for He is worthy!), but the moment we introduce anything of the ritual of Jewish worship into Christianity, we are going back to what Scripture calls "the rudiments of the world," Col. 2:2020Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Colossians 2:20). Christianity is not an extension of Judaism, or even an improvement on it, but an entirely new thing.
Nor is there any support for the use of musical instruments in gospel work, for there is no record of any such appeal in the labors of the apostles. They simply preached the word and sang in the prison at Philippi. The Lord Jesus said, "No man can come unto Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him." John 6:4444No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:44). God works by His Spirit in drawing souls to Christ, and tells us to preach the Word, leaving the results to Him. "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God...that no flesh should glory in His presence." 1 Cor. 1:21-3121For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:21‑31). Paul knew what people wanted, but he sought to please the Lord, counting on Him for the results. We know that God is sovereign, and works when, where, and how He pleases and we rejoice in this (Phil. 1:1818What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. (Philippians 1:18)), but our path is to be that of simple, unquestioning obedience to Him. We might mention at this point that we have observed that those who are saved under this mixture of Judaism and Christianity are usually slow to learn the true Christian position. Such usually want that sort of thing in all they do for the Lord.
Then there is the question of what place musical instruments could have in the Christian home. We have already noticed that the worlds of business, entertainment and science were all introduced by Cain's posterity, and as the children of God we are warned not to "love" the world, for since Christ has been rejected and cast out we see it as under the judgment of God. (John 12:3131Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. (John 12:31), John 17:30, 31). We are never to forget this, and even while using the world we are not to abuse it (1 Cor. 7:3131And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. (1 Corinthians 7:31)), that is, we are not to be taken up with it as part of it, but only passing through. (John 17:1616They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (John 17:16)). Nevertheless we can enjoy our occupation in the business world as well as certain natural pleasures and inventions men have made, for we are still living in the world. But to be taken up with these things so as to be brought under their "power" (1 Cor. 6:1212All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (1 Corinthians 6:12)) would surely rob one in his soul. We can enjoy sweet music, but we must not mistake it for the fruit of the Spirit, for even a real Christian can be carried away with the melody of sound, while God values the melody in the heart. Let us learn to be temperate in all things (1 Cor. 9:2525And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (1 Corinthians 9:25)) and not abuse the liberty we have in the One who has graciously given us "all things richly to enjoy." 1 Tim. 6:1717Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (1 Timothy 6:17).
The use of musical instruments in the home, however, is a different matter from using them for the worship of the Lord, or to draw sinners to Him. God has given us "honey" (the sweetness of nature) and we can enjoy it in moderation (Prov. 24:13,25:16) but it had no place in the Jewish offerings (Lev. 2:1111No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the Lord, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the Lord made by fire. (Leviticus 2:11)). We are not dead to nature and there are the natural joys of home life which do not have a place in worship and service to the Lord. A dear servant of the Lord wrote, "If I could put a poor sick father to sleep with music, I would play the most beautiful I could find; but it only spoils any worship as bringing in the pleasure of sense into what ought to be the power of the Spirit of God." (J.N.D. Letters, Vol. 3, page 476 S.H.).
Some have asked if there will be musical instruments in heaven, and at first reading it might appear so from Rev. 5, but I believe that Rev. 14:2,32And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. (Revelation 14:2‑3) gives us the answer. Much of the language of the book of Revelation is figurative, as most know, and so here, it was the voice of harpers that John heard. We may be well assured that the melody of heaven will surpass the finest music we have ever heard, and nothing of man's inventions will be necessary to add to heaven's melody and joy. We learn from Ezek. 28:1313Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. (Ezekiel 28:13) that God is able to put all the sweetness of music into the creature, for in heaven and in earth all will be to His glory and praise in that day, never to be spoiled by sin.
God has given us singing as a marvelous way by which human voices can be blended together in harmony, and we should seek His help to sing heartily and in harmony together as we make melody in our hearts to the Lord. Some of us may not be able to sing very well now, and we wish our voices were more melodious, but this is only a reminder that our home is not here. What the Lord values is the melody in the heart, but to introduce musical instruments because we cannot sing well, is really only to make things more pleasant for ourselves, and not for the Lord who knows our hearts. These limitations which many of us have, ought to make us long for the day when we shall be with and like Christ, able to praise Him as we would, without any hindrance forever.
"O Lord, we know it matters not
How sweet the song may be;
No heart but of the Spirit taught
Makes melody to Thee.
O largely give, 'tis all Thine own
The Spirit's goodly fruit:
Praise, issuing forth in life, alone
Our living Lord can suit."
If there should be an unsaved one reading these lines, may all this be a voice to you. Perhaps you sing in the choir somewhere, or play the organ for the singing of hymns, but may we warn you that unless you have come as a lost guilty sinner to the Lord Jesus, and have received Him as your Savior, you cannot make any melody in your heart to Him. The Lord Jesus said of such, "This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me." Matt. 15:88This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (Matthew 15:8). Our prayer is that you may be brought to put your trust in Him today, and then you will sing from a full heart, the song of the redeemed, "Unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood...to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." Rev. 1:5,65And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5‑6).
G.H.H.
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